Mental Health Spotlight: Navigating Corona-Era Emotions

For the last six weeks we’ve been lucky enough to host Dr. Tash on our Instagram Live feed for a Q and A. 

Dr. Tash is a licensed counselor who has been helping us navigate our emotions in the Covid era. We’ve pulled these top five takeaways from our “Talks with Tash”: 

#1: “Return to physical safety”

The unknowns such as what/where is safe, are just that, unknowns. They were always unknowns--even before the pandemic; we’ve only been relying on a sense of security. To help the body (and mind) return to physical safety, try the following:

  • Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing. Try one as simple as breathing in for four steady counts and exhaling for the same. 

  • Meditation/Mindfulness: Calm, Headspace apps, and Insight Timer are a few of our top favorites. 

  • Grounding: by definition, grounding refers to a physical or spiritual connection with Nature or the literal ground. Petting your dog, taking a walk, or even sitting on the beach are all grounding activities. Visualizing your “grounding spot” is another technique for grounding when you are unable to get down and dirty (pun intended).

 
People stretching in a park athletics.jpg
 

#2: Journaling & Writing 

Science has shown that there is a connection between the physical act of writing and improved mood, improved immune system functioning, and a reduction of high blood pressure, cholesterol, symptoms of depressionanxiety, and even PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). 

  • Makes connection between thoughts & feelings 

  • Creates alternative perspectives & reflect on our experience

  • Identify & label emotions

#3: Connection & Relationships

We may not have realized it in our day-to-day, pre-COVID socializing (going to the gym, happy hours, etc.), but a pandemic may cause us to take a closer look at which interactions establish meaningful connections and whether or not those connections remain nourished within our relationships with others. 

  • Assess the quality vs quantity of your relationships & address true source of loneliness

  • Consider creative ways to connect with family and friends virtually & more authentic ways.

#4: Separate fears from practical vs hypothetical

  • It’s easy to get caught up in fear and allow it to snowball into a daylong activity with no parameters. Give your fear and worry some structure:

  • Although worry & anxiety are designed to keep you safe, redirect to things in your control.

  • ‘Schedule’ or compartmentalize worry (ex. Give self 15m /day to worry). 

#5: Find a healthy balance

  • We have a limited amount of time and energy each day

  • Balance is not a matter of figuring out how to do everything, but prioritizing what’s most important at the time against your personal values & goals

  • Focus your energy on those things within your control while letting go of the others

 
Woman running in Central Park New York City.jpg
 

A Final Note

For more information about Dr. Tashika Halloway visit https://tlccounselingatl.com/.

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